Team Canada is in the semifinals of the 2026 Women’s World Curling Championships at the Winsport Event Centre in Calgary, Alberta. On Friday evening, Canada defeated Japan 6-5 to improve to a record of 10 wins and two losses. That was good enough for second place after the round robin standings.
Einarson is in her fourth Women’s World Curling Championship. This is the first time she has reached the semifinals directly without having to play a qualification game.
In the semifinals, Canada will face the winner of Japan and Turkey. That will be one of two qualification games to the semifinals on Saturday. The other game will feature South Korea and Sweden with the winner playing Switzerland.
In Kerri Einarson’s win on Friday over Japan, a key turning point came in the second end. Due to constant pressure from Team Canada throughout the end, she was able to steal a single point and take a 2-0 lead. Einarson also had three very impressive double-takeouts throughout the match that was a key difference.
“I think we made a few clutch shots when we needed them,” said Einarson.”They were set up for the deuce in the third end, and I made that cross house double, and she had to draw against three. I think making those shots at the right time is key.”